Sunday last saw Gorey’s U16 Team travel to Dublin for the last match of the Season to take on Avoca 4 in the Inter League Final.

From the first whistle Gorey attacked up the wings using Rachel McSweeney, Tegan Veitch and Zoe Kenny. Gorey held possession in Avoca’s half consistently for the first 10 minutes. Gorey made several runs into Avoca’s circle and won the first short corner of the match. Gorey’s Robyn Swords pushed out to Muireann Deegan at the top of the circle. Muireann slipped the ball back to Robyn who swept the ball up into Avoca’s net opening the scoring and giving Gorey the well deserved lead. (0-1).

Avoca restarted the match finding some space down the wing. Gorey’s Defense of Ava Ryan, Sabhdh Corcoran, Niamh O’Halloran and Robyn Swords held strong, clearing the ball out wide where Aislinn Buttle was waiting on the wing. AIslinn Buttle and Tegan Veitch traded passes getting the ball back into Avoca’s 25 and D. Zoe Kenny was unlucky not to get on the end of some of the well weighted passes from midfielders Aislinn Buttle and Tegan Veitch. The resulting hit out from Avoca’s backs was intercepted by Gorey’s Muireann Deegan who travelled into the circle taking a shot. Gorey doubled their lead (0-2).

Avoca restarted the match once more, but Gorey’s Defensive line of Sabhdh Corcoran, Ava Ryan, Robyn Swords, Niamh O’Halloran and Siobhra Bairead wouldn’t allow Avoca to have any time on the ball. Gorey had worked hard to minimise Avoca’s movement and possession on the pitch. A momentary lapse in concentration by Gorey allowed Avoca win a penalty corner, their first of the match. Avoca sent the ball in, and took a shot, pulling one back on the half-time whistle (1-2).

In the opening minutes the second half hockey was end to end stuff, both Gorey and Avoca played fantastic hockey. Avoca tried to penetrate Gorey’s circle however Gorey’s Ava Ryan cleared the ball towards the halfway line, for Siobhra Bairead to make a run up centre of the pitch with Sabhdh Corcoran backing up. Gorey kept attacking the wings and releasing the ball quickly into Avoca’s half. Orlaith Deegan worked the ball up the line finding Muireann Deegan, driving into the circle but her shot went narrowly wide. Gorey made inroads into Avoca’s defense with great efforts from Meadhbh Bairead who came on for Orlaith Deegan who received a ball to the hand.

Gorey did not give Avoca any space and the high intensity of the match kept going. Gorey’s keeper Ruth Evans made a vital save to give Avoca a long corner. Avoca however failed to capitalize on the free. Robyn Swords cleared the ball to the wing. Aislinn Buttle used her speed to outrun two of Avoca’s defenders and sent the ball in. Avoca cleared their lines but only for the final whistle to end the match and Gorey ran out Winners.

Well Done to Gorey’s U16 Team on winning the League!!!

Thanks to Claire Swords for the super effort through out the year and all the supporters who travelled to cheer on the team, it was much appreciated.

Gorey Squad: Ruth Evans (Captain), Robyn Swords (1), Ava Ryan, Sadhbh Corcoran, Niamh O’Halloran, Aislinn Buttle, Muireann Deegan (1), Siobhra Bairead, Tegan Veitch, Zoe Kenny, Rachael McSweeney, Orlaith Deegan, Meadhbh Bairead.